Boeing Chief Executive Officer Dave Calhoun faced intense scrutiny from US senators during a subcommittee hearing on Tuesday over the company's manufacturing practices and safety culture.
Subcommittee chairman Sen.
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Richard Blumenthal revealed that investigators have received disclosures from more than a dozen whistleblowers raising concerns about aircraft production risks.
"We have more than a dozen whistleblowers by this point, and we encourage more to come forward," said Blumenthal, who chairs the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
A staff memo detailed that new whistleblowers continue to step forward with firsthand knowledge of Boeing's operations.
"Since opening the inquiry, the Subcommittee has received outreach from additional whistleblowers in the aviation industry, including individuals with firsthand knowledge of Boeing's operations and policies, who have come forward with new information about additional safety risks stemming from Boeing's manufacturing practices," the memo reads.
Some informants wish to remain anonymous, while others are willing to speak publicly for the first time, according to the document.
Blumenthal noted that staff spoke to more than two dozen whistleblowers overall, citing allegations of severe pressure from supervisors.
He referenced the case of whistleblower John Barnett, who police ruled died by suicide earlier this year.
"I'm going to push you until you break," Blumenthal quoted a supervisor's alleged statement to Barnett, adding, "He broke."
Calhoun Defends Boeing's Record
During cross-examination, Calhoun maintained that the manufacturer penalizes managers who mistreat staff who voice quality concerns.
When asked how many employees were fired for retaliation, Calhoun said, "Senator, I don't have that number on the tip of my tongue."
